Toshiba has unveiled a twin 5-megapixel camera module with stereo-3D shot and digital focus capabilities. This new camera module is designed for smartphones and tablets.

In a press release, Toshiba announced:

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that it will start sample shipments of “TCM9518MD”, for application in smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, on January 31, 2014. The new product is the industry’s first[1] dual camera module to incorporate twin 1/4 inch optical format 5-megapixel CMOS camera modules (5 megapixels × 2 arrays), which simultaneously outputs recorded images and depth data.

The dedicated image processing LSI of the “TCM9518MD” measures and appends depth data to objects in the image. Used in combination with customers’ applications, the module supports new photo functions, including focus and defocus, and even allows objects in photographs to be extracted and erased.

The image processing LSI generates 13-megapixel images by upscaling images taken by the twin 5-megapixel cameras, realizing a lower module height than that of conventional 13 megapixel camera modules[2].

Applications

Cameras for cell phones, smartphones and tablet PCs

Key Features of New Product

Simultaneous output of depth data (Depth Map) and deep focus image[3], supporting functions which include focus and defocus, and even to extract and erase objects from the picture, in combination with customer’s applications.

Output of 13-megapixel image, generated by the dedicated image processing LSI and the twin 5-megapixel cameras of the module.

Digital focus function, which enables to adjust the point of focus without mechanism to move lenses.

Main Specifications

Part Number TCM9518MD

Output Resolution 13 megapixels

Sensor and Resolution5 megapixels × 2

Optical Size 1/4 inch × 2

Pixel Size1.4 micrometer

Module Size18.0 × 12.0 × 4.65 mm

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